Luxury Hotels in the Galapagos Islands

Those considering staying in the Galapagos either before or after their cruise will be rewarded with a splendid selection of world class ecologically-focused luxury hotels and resorts to choose from.

Which Island(s) should you stay on?

There are luxury-class hotels on only three islands in the Galapagos:

The town of Puerto Ayora and rural highlands of Santa Cruz
The town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island
he town of Puerto Villamil and highlands of Isabela Island

Beachfront vs. Highlands

Luxury hotels tend to be either on the beachfront (with its obvious benefits) or in the highlands at remote lodges or luxury camping resorts which tend to have beautiful views and nearby forest and wildlife.

Independent travel or All inclusive tour

In Galapagos, it’s very common to book an all-inclusive tour package due to Galapagos National Park regulations which require a licensed guide to accompany travelers to highly-controlled visitor spots. Most of the best places on the islands are park visitor spots, so you miss out quite a bit by not booking a tour.

Recommended Luxury Galapagos hotels

Red Mangrove Eco-Luxury Hotel

Located right in town, it feels like a remote wildlife resort as you lounge seaside with resident sealions and marine iguanas and take in the views of Academy Bay. The newly reinvented Red Mangrove is luxuriously appointed with panoramic views from suites and has an exceptional restaurant.

Finch Bay Hotel (Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island)

The Finch Bay Hotel is on the edge of town accessible only by water taxi and adjacent to a white-sand beach. With an outdoor pool, restaurant and bar, and specialty yacht cruises upon reservation, this hotel is a perfect place to relax between the many activities that they can help you book.

You can choose between one- and two-bed suites with either an ocean view or a garden view. Each room includes hot water, a private bathroom, air-conditioning, WiFi, blackout curtains and blinds, and a telephone

Hotel Iguana Crossing (Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island)

This is a taste of luxury right on the shore of Isabela Island. With a steam and massage room, an ocean front pool and a Jacuzzi that overlooks the ocean, this hotel is a great option for couples and families alike.

In addition to the hotel’s Iguana Restaurant and full service bar, each room has a telephone, air-conditioning, and a minibar.

The Royal Palm Hotel (Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island)

Experience the regal life at the Royal Palm Hotel. Blending right into its natural surrounding, it offers an open pool with a waterfall and grotto, two tennis courts, air-conditioning, and Internet access.

Every suite has a minibar, a flat screen TV, luxurious beds, full private bathrooms, and a private Jacuzzi room. The hotel can accommodate families of any size, with a variety of suite sizes with twin, queen, and king beds..

Galapagos Safari Camp (Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island)

This unique luxury hotel experience puts you right in the heart of nature, on their 136-acre farm that borders the National Park. Channel your inner-Darwin and experience the Islands in a whole new way – in a tent. But, don’t worry, you won’t exactly be roughing it between the fully stocked bar, an open-plan main lodge for relaxation by the communal fireplace, and infinity pool.

Each of the nine luxurious tents have three layers to protect against rain, sun, and bugs, and include twin beds that can be joined into a queen bed. There is also a three-bedroom family suite for those traveling with a bigger crew. Every room also has full electricity and a fan/ heater to control the temperature.